Latest News

JA Innovation Accelerates Impact

September 2023 Message from Chair Andrew Koenig and CEO Laurie Sallarulo

“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” ~ Harvey Firestone

If you follow us on social media, you know we’re both committed to growing personally and professionally. As Board Chair and CEO of JA, we strongly believe the development of our students and team is essential to the success of our organization. This year, the JA board and leadership team made a commitment in our strategic plan — to deepen our investment in students’ growth.

This summer we devoted time and resources to designing and enhancing JA programs that help develop the skills our students need to face future challenges and opportunities. We are excited to be embedding technology like AI and VR into our program simulations that engage and empower students. We also focused on the growth of our team. We kicked off our professional development program in August with the first in a series of workshops to better know ourselves and each other.

In the spirit of development, we’re proud to announce the advancement of JA team members Claire Aguilera, Janae Hardy, Rebecca House, Angelina Jadulal and Ayesha Sahadeo.

We know we can’t grow without your support and commitment to helping us advance our students, team and mission. As Andrew likes to say, “They need us today and we’ll need them tomorrow.”

Latest News

Thought Leadership: Building Workplace Culture

Culture and the New World of Work

The way we work has changed. While employers had been experimenting with remote and hybrid work models for years before the COVID pandemic, that event accelerated the reliance on technology and Work from Home (WFH).

Though countless employers have begun initiating Return to Office (RTO) plans, research by Mercer shows that most will continue to offer remote and hybrid options, often to attract and retain talent. But this approach also raises concerns, with a majority of corporate leaders (51%) expressing reservations about the impact of these models on corporate culture, as noted in the same study by Mercer. This concern goes beyond employers to the employees themselves, with large percentages of remote workers feeling left out of company culture, according to the Harvard Business Review.

While there are certainly advantages of hybrid and remote work models for both employers (attracting a wider array of talent, lower operating costs) and employees (better work-life balance, a more affordable lifestyle), the downside to an organization is a talent pool that operates more like siloed independent contractors than a cohesive and unified team that’s loyal to each other and committed to a common mission.

For those organizations prioritizing RTO, fostering a collaborative and welcoming culture is essential. As research from Poly and Worktech Academy points out, employers hoping to attract workers back to the office will need to curate a culture that makes the commute worthwhile in the minds of associates. This includes finding ways to bring down silos between teams and create a cross-functional environment where employees feel they have a voice and their input is welcomed.

Focusing on curating an effective corporate culture can pay long-term dividends. Research by PwC shows that employees who consider themselves engaged in the workplace are 87 percent less likely to resign than those who don’t. Gallup has found that workplaces with cultures that encourage employee engagement are also more profitable.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REPORT

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Two Dynamic Women Will Be Recognized At Rosé Soirée

JA Event Honors Woman of Wisdom Maureen Canada and Spark Award Recipient Ana Rodriguez

For Immediate Release

BROWARD COUNTY, FL — For 50 years, Maureen Canada and her family ran the Lighthouse Point Marina and Nauti Dawg Marina and Café in Lighthouse Point. This year, her decades of service to the community, and her passion for philanthropy, will be recognized by Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) when the organization’s JA Circle of Wise Women (CWW) honor Canada with the Woman of Wisdom Award at the 2023 Rosé Soirée.

Rosé Soirée, featuring Title Sponsor CITY Furniture and presented by TD Bank, is an annual fundraising event for Junior Achievement of South Florida that gathers empowered women, business entrepreneurs and leaders in philanthropy to mingle over appetizers and sip Rosé while support JA’s financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness programs. This festive affair is hosted by the CWW, a women’s philanthropic group that believes JA programs are a springboard to show today’s youth their potential for success.

The CWW was founded in May of 2009 at the home of Janet Davis with only 10 original members. Now, the CWW boasts a membership of more than 180 women. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $5 million for Junior Achievement of South Florida.

Rosé Soirée is a fun opportunity for the CWW to pin new members of the group, present scholarships to highly deserving high school girls and honor two women with special awards.

The first award, the Woman of Wisdom Award, will go to Canada who has been an active member of the CWW and a recognized business leader in Broward County. She will share her personal formula for success as a profitable family business leader and inspire event attendees with her passion for social advocacy.

The second award, the Spark Award, will be given to Ana Rodriguez, Florida Power & Light Community Relations Specialist. Rodriguez is the first ever to be recognized with this new award, which recognizes an exceptional female trailblazer. Rodriguez has been a mentor in JA’s Girls Rule program, Girls Rule host committee member since its inception and is an active volunteer in JA’s Career Bound and Pre-Apprentice Programs. She serves on the board of directors at Henderson Behavioral Health and Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach.

Last year, Rosé Soirée raised $110,000 for JA programs. Thanks to this year’s sponsors Happy Pineapple Charity Fund, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Advanced Roofing, Walter Duke + Partners, Florida Power & Light, Synovus, Resolve Marine Group, Rick Case Automotive Group, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, Lawless, Edwards & Warren Wealth Management, Broward Health, Bergeron Family of Companies, Peter & Fran Woolf, Florescue Family Foundation, The Pretty Nomad, Ed Morse, American Global, Intact Insurance, Tripp Scott, Vital Title & Escrow, Hudson Family Foundation, Halmos Holdings, Intentions Pilates & Wellness Spa, Miller Construction Company, RoofConnect, Transworld Business Advisors, CrewFacilities.com, Maureen Rotella Compass, Toothaker.org, RVG & Company CPA’s, Holy Cross Health, Lank Oil Company, Seacoast Bank, Urban Street Development, American National Bank and numerous partners, this event promises to have a greater impact.

The 2023 Rosé Soirée will be held on September 14 from 4:30 to 7 pm at the former Neiman Marcus at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale (2442 E Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304). To purchase a ticket, please visit JASouthFlorida.org/RoseSoiree. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please reach out to Diana Metcalf by email at [email protected] or by phone at (954) 979-7120.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 5,000 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 74,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

For More Information, Contact:

Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

Latest News

Entrepreneur Donates More Than 18,000 Beauty Products

The Entrepreneur Behind SinglesSwag, Jonathan Beskin, Donates More Than 18,000 Beauty Products to Junior Achievement of South Florida

For Immediate Release

BROWARD COUNTY, FL — Jonathan Beskin — the CEO and founder of SinglesSwag and author of “The Least Likely Millionaire” — recently donated more than 18,000 beauty and fashion products to Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA). The donation included jewelry, skin care products, fashion accessories and cosmetics, which will be distributed at upcoming JA signature events, as a “thank you” to dedicated JA volunteers and to program students.

JA serves more than 74,000 students annually by teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness development. Some of JA’s programs — such as JA’s Career Bound Program, Pre-Apprenticeship Program and Summer Internship Program — help prepare young adults for the professional workforce, which requires students to be well dressed and presentable to potential employers. Beskin’s donations will be a welcomed surprise for JA’s programs.

“JA’s mission is to bridge the gap between school and the workforce by preparing students for the realities of the world-at-large. Jonathan’s donations will help students feel confident, as they pursue the path toward adulthood,” said JA CEO and President Laurie Sallarulo. “We are grateful to entrepreneurs and philanthropists like Jonathan who use their resources to help our youth.”

Beskin, who publicly shares about his early struggles with mental health before becoming a millionaire, is a fantastic example of an underdog embracing adversity to become a recognized success. His first company, a women’s lifestyle subscription box, went from a pre-revenue idea launched with just $2,000 of his own savings, to earning more than $60 million in revenue in under five years. Now, Beskin’s company SinglesSwag and Paradise Delivered is ranked one of the Top 10 fastest growing companies in Florida by Inc. Magazine and has shipped more than 2 million boxes to more than 60 countries. His book “The Least Likely Millionaire” mentors readers to harness a healthy obsession, ignore the naysayers, and embrace the path-less-traveled.

“I hope to inspire young people who feel like they don’t fit the mold of a successful entrepreneur,” said Beskin. “You don’t need a Harvard MBA or a rich family, you just need a desire to change your life.”

Beskin’s message resonates with the mission of JA to inspire young people to go after their dreams.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

For More Information, Contact:

Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

Latest News

Thought Leadership: AI and Tomorrow’s Jobs

INTRODUCTION

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we live and work, and American teens are no exception to this trend. The impact of AI on American teens is both positive and negative, with both opportunities and challenges arising from this technology.

One of the most significant positive impacts of AI on American teens is the increasing availability of educational resources. AI-powered learning tools and virtual assistants can provide personalized learning experiences, making education more engaging and effective. Additionally, AI can help identify students who may be struggling and provide targeted support to help them succeed.

On the other hand, AI can also pose challenges for American teens. One major concern is the potential for job displacement as AI automation replaces many routine jobs. This can lead to economic inequality and social unrest, particularly for those without the skills needed to work with or develop AI technology.

Another potential impact of AI on American teens is the growing concern over privacy and security. AI algorithms are becoming increasingly adept at collecting, analyzing, and using vast amounts of personal data, which can be used for targeted advertising or even surveillance. This raises concerns about the safety of personal information, particularly for teens who are more likely to share personal information online.

Furthermore, AI can also have an impact on mental health. For example, social media platforms that use AI algorithms to curate content can create filter bubbles, reinforcing existing biases and creating echo chambers. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

In conclusion, AI is transforming the world around us, including the lives of American teens. While there are opportunities for AI to improve education and provide new career paths, there are also concerns about job displacement, privacy, and mental health. It is essential for policymakers, educators, and parents to work together to ensure that the benefits of AI are maximized while minimizing its negative impacts on the next generation.

– Introduction Authored by ChatGPT AI Introduction

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REPORT

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Teens Are Re-Thinking The Future Of Work

JA/Citizens 2023 Survey of High School Students Reveals Their Career Aspirations; Economic and College Concerns; and Overall Financial Preparedness

Author: Kelsey Matzinger
Junior Achievement USA
Published: Monday, 01 May 2023

Have you applied for any scholarships yet? What are you going to major in? Are you excited for football season? The team is looking really good this year!

These are questions high school students get asked, but none of them are as important as “Are you able to afford college?” or “Are you going into a career field where you can pay off your loans quickly?” In today’s world, teens are increasingly exploring alternatives to the traditional higher education route, making these questions more crucial than ever. That’s why Junior Achievement and Citizens conducted a study to gain insight into where teens’ thoughts are when it comes to the cost of higher education.

Many teenagers see a successful future when it comes to their confidence in their ability to compete for the jobs of tomorrow. In fact, 57% of teens expressed confidence in their skills to do so. However, financial concerns are top of mind for many, with 70% indicating worries about the costs associated with pursuing education after high school.

Interestingly, the survey also found that the majority of teens believe an Associate’s or Technical Certification is sufficient to get a good job, with 76% in agreement. This indicates that teens are not necessarily prioritizing a traditional four-year degree as a means to achieving their goals.

The survey also found that teens are open to non-traditional paths to success, with 61% stating they would rather start their own business than have a traditional job. This preference for entrepreneurship is an interesting development and may suggest that teens are becoming more interested in taking control of their own careers.

Another trend that emerged from the survey is the growing influence of social media. With 40% of teens considering a career as a social media influencer, it is clear that this is a profession that is increasingly attractive to young people. As social media becomes more important in modern marketing strategies, it is likely that this trend will continue to grow.

However, the survey also highlighted the rising cost of living that is impacting families across the country. Over 60% of teens (63%) reported that their families have had to do without due to rising prices. This is a concern that may influence their education and career choices, as many may feel they need to prioritize immediate financial stability over pursuing their long-term goals.

It is clear that financial barriers are shaping the decisions teens make about their futures, and that the cost of pursuing education may be deterring some from pursuing their dreams.

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT

The survey suggests that teens are confident in their abilities but are grappling with the costs and practicalities of achieving their goals. As such, it is more important than ever to provide young people with the resources they need to navigate these challenges and realize their full potential.

One way to support young people in achieving their goals is by providing them with access to affordable and quality education. With the rising cost of higher education, it is important to explore alternative options, such as trade schools and community colleges. These institutions often provide high-quality training in specific fields and can lead to well-paying jobs with fewer financial burdens.

Another way to support teens is by promoting financial literacy and providing them with the tools they need to manage their money effectively. This can include offering information through JA Connect on budgeting, saving, and investing, as well as resources for managing student debt.

Additionally, encouraging entrepreneurship and providing mentorship and resources for starting a business can help teens achieve their goals while also providing them with valuable skills and experience. This can include JA Connect activities or programs like JA Launch Lesson or JA Company Program.

Ultimately, it is important to recognize the unique challenges that teens face in today’s economic landscape and to provide them with the resources and support they need to navigate these challenges successfully. By investing in the education and well-being of young people, we can help ensure a bright and successful future for all.

To learn more about JA financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs, please visit jausa.ja.org/programs/index.

Latest News

Junior Achievement Benefits From $70,000 State Farm Grant

Funding Supports Financial Literacy and Career Readiness Programs for At-Risk Youth

For Immediate Release

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (June 23, 2022) – The Junior Achievement Florida Foundation has announced today that it has received a $70,000 grant from State Farm. The state-wide initiative will support Junior Achievement learning experiences in eight localities throughout Florida, enabling thousands of young people to participate in the organization’s nationally recognized financial literacy and career readiness learning experiences.

“State Farm believes that financial literacy education is critical to building stronger and more resilient communities” said Jose Soto, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst. “Part of our education funding is directed toward initiatives and programs that support K-12 financial literacy and pathways for college and career success. We are proud to support Junior Achievement financial literacy and career readiness programs across Florida.”

Each of the eight Florida-based Junior Achievement areas will use the support to advance learning experiences most needed in their region.

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA), along with JA Space Coast and JA North Florida will use the support to:

Provide JA Personal Finance introducing high school students to the interrelationship between today’s financial decisions and future financial freedom.

“Thanks to partners like State Farm, JA can provide students with opportunities to grow their confidence and resiliency, explore career possibilities, learn and practice financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills they will need to succeed in the workplace and life,” said Laurie Sallarulo, Junior Achievement of South Florida President & CEO.

JA Tampa Bay, which includes Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands and Sarasota Counties will use the support for:

JA BizTown, a capstone learning experience that introduces 5th graders to economic concepts, workplace skills, and personal and business finances. They act as employees and consumers, from paying bills to handling customer service, they experience what it is like to earn and work in a community.
JA Finance Park, another capstone learning experience that is a real-life simulation, where students enter the game of life and apply financial concepts to balance their personal budget and learn to make choices that support their future goals.
3DE schools by Junior Achievement, the newest JA learning experience, teaches students in high school relevant business skills and core competencies through business case methodology.

JA Miami will use the support to:

Provide local elementary students with an interactive JA Day where they will explore the concepts of financial literacy and workforce readiness.

JA Palm Beaches will use the support to:

Provide JA Personal Finance at area high schools where students are introduced to the interrelationship between today’s financial decisions and future financial freedom and JA Inspire Career Expo where students explore their skills and interests.

JA Central Florida will use the support to provide:

JA Finance Park Virtual Advanced to 12^th graders in Orange and Osceola districts where students will build a foundation for making intelligent and informed lifelong personal finance decisions.

JA Southwest Florida will use the support to:

Provide JA Personal Finance, JA Economics for Success and JA Career Success

The JA Florida Foundation areas have worked with local State Farm representatives to build out an interactive Career Exploration booth for the JA Inspire Career Expo. This virtual platform provides students with the opportunity to explore over 100 business and education booths and listen to dynamic speakers. Live virtual interaction days are scheduled where students can ask volunteers industry related questions. Across the state over 25,000 students will participate.

All areas will offer volunteer opportunities for State Farm associates to participate either in person or virtually, the length and scope varies for each experience.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 5,000 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 73,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

About Junior Achievement Florida Foundation

Chartered in 2010, the JA Florida Foundation represents the nine Florida JA chapters joining forces to link to schools across the state of Florida. This collaboration has allowed us each to grow our impact on our area’s marginalized youth through statewide funding and support. Junior Achievement delivers K-12 programming for entrepreneurship, financial literacy and career readiness. For more information on the organization, visit www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-floridafoundation.

About State Farm®

For 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been and continues to be to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and approximately 61,764 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – which includes auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 42 on the 2022 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com. 

For More Information, Contact:

Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

Latest News

Florida Lottery Continues Partnership With Junior Achievement

Florida Lottery Supports Career Bound Program and Books, Bucks & Backpacks Event

For Immediate Release

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (June 1, 2023) — For the second consecutive year, Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is grateful to the Florida Lottery for recently supporting its Career Bound program, graduation celebration and the 2023 Books, Bucks and Backpacks outreach event.

Over the course of the 2022-2023 school year, over 200 high school students from Broward County Public Schools participated in Career Bound, which is designed to expose and prepare students for workplace success. Students experience industries firsthand, develop work skills through business case challenges and have the opportunity for summer employment.

The Career Bound staff recently celebrated the program completion achievements of 206 students (93%), which included a retreat and graduation that showcased case challenge demonstrations, guest speakers and certificate presentations. In addition to Florida Lottery, this program is also supported by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Broward County Public Schools, Community Foundation of Broward and various South Florida businesses and individual donors/mentors who play an active role in the student training, employment coaching and college scholarship elements of the program.

On May 20th, JA joined forces with Broward Schools, other education partners, local business and healthcare providers for the Books, Bucks & Backpacks event, presented by CITY Furniture. Over 700 Broward County students and their families attended. Thanks to supporters, like the Florida Lottery, JA provided supplies to help them make the most of their summer break, including healthcare resources, summer safety tips, academic retention materials, financial literacy tools, backpacks and school supplies.

“Junior Achievement is proud of its newly developed partnership with the Florida Lottery, which continues to be a dedicated partner to Florida’s schools and students by making education its biggest winner! We are thankful for their commitment to JA’s mission of empowering youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy and lead our community,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 73,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

About The Florida Lottery

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $44 billion to enhance education and sending more than 950,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 99 percent of its revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Lottery retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $85.8 billion in prizes and made more than 3,566 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

For More Information, Contact:
Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing. Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

Latest News

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra has agreed to become a JA BizTown storefront partner for the 2023-2024 school year. Jacqueline Lorber, the CEO of the South Florida Symphony and a JA Alum, said she is thrilled that this new storefront will introduce students to career opportunities in the arts.

“We will be the first storefront that has an arts component, teaching students financial literacy, and the fact that they can have careers in the arts,” she said. “I never imagined I would one day become the CEO of the South Florida Symphony, but here I am. JA helped me get on the right track…I am really proud to be able to bring this program full circle in my life and make it relevant for every single 5th grader in the Broward County school system.”

Each year, 20,000 Broward County Public Schools 5th graders participate in a series of classroom lessons where they learn about applying for jobs, voting, career opportunities, customer service, paychecks, savings and more. Then, they put their knowledge to work at JA BizTown, where they operate a simulated economy and run businesses. Students get hands-on experience at being citizens, consumers, employees and business owners.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 69,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

The Symphony Today

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO), founded by Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso in 1997, has developed into a superlative cultural institution serving all of South Florida, ranging from Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, to Monroe County. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to community engagement, the SFSO brings vibrancy, innovation, and strengthens public commitment to the arts.

Recent milestones include recognition in Broward County as ‘Major Cultural Institution,’ one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. In another landmark, the Symphony has been recognized as “Special Presentations Partner” with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Achieving this status is an honor that is rarely bestowed upon an organization. The benefit is that the Broward Center now co-produces concerts with the Symphony and leverages their marketing partners for Symphony co-productions.

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra is a pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities.

The Symphony in the Schools program, begun in 1997, facilitates engagement with the arts for culturally underserved students and their families. The Symphony has touched the lives of over 50,000 students since its inception. For a performance schedule and season tickets, visit southfloridasymphony.org, call (954) 522-8445 or email [email protected].

Latest News

JA Hosts Annual Books, Bucks & Backpacks Event May 20

The Book, Bucks & Backpacks initiative helps launch families into a successful
summer break by providing reading, financial and health literacy
resources to families in Broward County.

BROWARD COUNTY, FL — On Saturday, May 20, from 10 am to 1 pm, Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) will partner with local educational organizations, healthcare providers and businesses to host its annual Books, Bucks & Backpacks event, presented by CITY Furniture, at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion (1130 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL 33066). Roughly 600 students and their families, totaling 1200 people, from area middle and high schools have been selected, based on need, to attend.

The event is a festive day for these registered families to come enjoy games, educational booths and giveaways. Every family is provided supplies to help them make the most of their summer breaks, including healthcare resources, academic retention materials, financial literacy tools, backpacks and school supplies.

This event promotes summer health and wellness, prevents the summer slide and teaches children the value of savings and money.

“It’s proven that over 60% of all summer-related injuries occur among children ages 2-11. Also on average, students lose 17-34% of the prior year’s learning gains,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “Summer can be an important time to keep students on track and give them momentum for the next school year. This event helps set families up for success.”

Thank you to the 2023 partners: Broward County Public Schools, Bright Futures Scholarships (funded by the Florida Lottery), the Early Leaning Coalition of Broward County, Molina Healthcare, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, CrewFacilities.com, Rick Case Automotive Group, BrightStar Credit Union, We Florida Financial, Bluegreen Vacations, ABC Florida East Coast Chapter, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Children’s Services of Broward County, City of Coconut Creek, City of Fort Lauderdale, Community Care Plan, Florida KidsCare, MCNA Dental, Sea the World, Truly Nolen, Universal Property and Casualty Insurance, Urban League of Broward County

For more information, visit https://www.JASouthFlorida.org/BooksBucksBackpacks.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Local media is invited to attend this event.
To arrange for press coverage or for media inquiries, please contact:

Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

Latest News

September 2023 Message from Chair Andrew Koenig and CEO Laurie Sallarulo

Culture and the New World of Work

INTRODUCTION

JA/Citizens 2023 Survey of High School Students Reveals Their Career Aspirations; Economic and College Concerns; and Overall Financial Preparedness

Funding Supports Financial Literacy and Career Readiness Programs for At-Risk Youth

Florida Lottery Supports Career Bound Program and Books, Bucks & Backpacks Event

The Book, Bucks & Backpacks initiative helps launch families into a successful summer break by providing reading, financial and health literacy resources to families in Broward County.

The Book, Bucks & Backpacks initiative helps launch families into a successful
summer break by providing reading, financial and health literacy
resources to families in Broward County.